“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5–8).
See Amid the Winter’s Snow
See, amid the winter’s snow, Born for us on earth below, See the tender Lamb appears, Promised from eternal years.
Hail, thou ever blessed morn! Hail, redemption’s happy dawn! Sing through all Jerusalem, Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Lo, within a manger lies He who built the starry skies: He who, throned in height sublime, Sits amid the cherubim.
Say, ye holy shepherds, say, What your joyful news today? Wherefore have ye left your sheep On the lonely mountain steep?
“As we watched at dead of night, Lo! we saw a wondrous light; Angels singing, peace on earth, Told us of the Savior’s birth.”
Sacred Infant, all divine, What a tender love was thine, Thus to come from highest bliss Down to such a world as this!
Teach, O teach us, holy Child, By thy face so meek and mild, Teach us to resemble thee, In thy sweet humility.
Words by Edward Caswell, 1851 Music by Sir John Goss, 1870
Download free arrangements of this Christmas Hymn:
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5).
1. Come, thou long expected Jesus, Born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of ev’ry nation, Joy of every longing heart.
2. Joy to those who long to see Thee Day-spring from on high, appear. Come, Thou promised Rod of Jesse, Of Thy birth, we long to hear! O’er the hills the angels singing News, glad tidings of a birth; “Go to Him your praises bringing Christ the Lord has come to earth!”
3. Come to earth to taste our sadness, He whose glories knew no end. By His life He brings us gladness, Our redeemer, Shepherd, Friend. Leaving riches without number, Born within a cattle stall; This the everlasting wonder, Christ was born the Lord of all.
4. Born thy people to deliver, Born a child, and yet a King, Born to reign in us for ever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone; By thine all-sufficient merit Raise us to thy glorious throne.
“Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus” Words by Charles Wesley, 1744 Hymn Tune: HYFRYDOL (8.7.8.7.D.) Music by Rowland Prichard, 1830
Often in this life we face circumstances that make no sense. Difficulties arise that we don’t expect. Trials come our way that overwhelm our thoughts. Friendships, jobs, ministries, vocations—in which we’ve invested our time and efforts—can vanish. In such times, we need to remember to trust God and acknowledge Him. Though we don’t understand why we must walk through such troubles, we can look to God and know He will guide us. God’s Word tells us:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5–6)
God is sovereign and wise. He understands all things and directs all things according to His will. Though we may not understand, we are exhorted to rest our faith in Him (trust in the Lord) and give Him praise (acknowledge Him). Though we may not see the pathway ahead, we are urged to trust Him completely (with all your heart) and praise Him always—in times of sorrow and pain as well as in times of joy (in all your ways).
God is accomplishing and completing His perfect plan. He is at work in ways that are beyond our thoughts and far above our prayers.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8–9)
The following song is a reminder to trust God and give Him praise, even when life doesn’t make sense. We cannot comprehend all He is doing in us and around us. We often don’t know what to think, what to say, and how to pray. But our God “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” His ways are sure. His Word is true. We need only watch with eyes of faith. Behold! His perfect plan will indeed unfold.
Listen and download a recording of this song from Bandcamp:
He Does All Things Well
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20–21).
God is faithful, God is near. He’ll not leave you, So do not fear.
All around you, Everyday, He is working, So watch and pray.
With eyes of faith, Look around, behold. His perfect plan Will indeed unfold. Far beyond our thoughts, More than we can tell, Far above our prayers, He does all things well.
God is sovereign, God is wise. Don’t be downcast, Just lift your eyes.
All that happens Serves His will, Even hard things, So trust Him still.
With eyes of faith, Look around, behold. His perfect plan Will indeed unfold. Far beyond our thoughts, More than we can tell, Far above our prayers, He does all things well.
When the changes comes, He knows what is best. When you’re beaten down, He will give you rest.
When you’re tossed and turned, He’ll steadfast remain. When the wound is deep, He will heal your pain.
When the door is closed, He will show the way. When the path grows dark, He shines bright as day.
With eyes of faith, Look around, behold. His perfect plan Will indeed unfold. Far beyond our thoughts, More than we can tell, Far above our prayers, He does all things well.
Yes, wait and see What the Lord will do. His ways are sure And His Word is true. Far beyond our thoughts, More than we can tell, Far above our prayers, He does all things well.
Charles H. Spurgeon is well known as a great preacher and pastor. He championed the truth of God’s Word and labored to make known the gospel of Jesus Christ. Spurgeon, however, was also a hymn-writer and compiler of hymns. He prepared a collection of hymns for use at the Metropolitan Tabernacle during his ministry. And he composed hymns.
The last hymn written by Spurgeon is included in the second volume of his autobiography, The Full Harvest, reprinted by Banner of Truth in 1973. On pages 426–427 he provides the words to the hymn and the following account:
The hymn was written in the early part of the year 1890, and was inserted in the programme used at the next College Conference. Those who were present, on that occasion, are not likely to forget the thrilling effect produced when five hundred ministers and students joined in singing it to the tune “Nottingham”. At the commencement, all sat and sang; but as they came to the later verses, they spontaneously rose, the time was quickened, and Mr. Manton Smith’s cornet helped to swell the volume of praise expressed by the writer.
The hymn is a glorious expression of praise for God’s grace coming upon a dry and dead sinner, raising him up, and plunging him into the glories of knowing and serving Jesus. The verses form a grand crescendo that reaches its peak in Christ alone.
“I will make the dry lands a spring of living water”
The Drop that Grew into a Torrent A Personal Experience
1. All my soul was dry and dead Till I learned that Jesus bled; Bled and suffered in my place, Bearing sin in matchless grace.
2. Then a drop of Heavenly love Fell upon me from above, And by secret, mystic art Reached the center of my heart.
3. Glad the story I recount, How that drop became a fount, Bubbled up a living well, Made my heart begin to swell.
4. All within my soul was praise, Praise increasing all my days; Praise which could not silent be: Floods were struggling to be free.
5. More and more the waters grew, Open wide the flood-gates flew, Leaping forth in streams of song Flowed my happy life along.
6. Lo! A river clear and sweet Laved my glad, obedient feet! Soon it rose up to my knees, And I praised and prayed with ease.
7. Now my soul in praises swims, Bathes in songs, and psalms and hymns; Plunges down into the deeps, All her powers in worship steeps.
8. Hallelujah! O my Lord! Torrents from my soul are poured! I am carried clean away, Praising, praising all the day.
9. In an ocean of delight, Praising God with all my might, Self is drowned; so let it be: Only Christ remains to me.
The hymn transcriptions in these collections are free downloads (PDF) and can be used for accompanying congregational singing, as well as playing prelude or offertory music. You can also simply play them for your own enjoyment.
Go to the hymn collection and click on the hymn title to view or download the free sheet music.
You are welcome to copy and share these hymns with friends and fellow guitar enthusiasts. Please copy the full page with the website address and the “Used by Permission” notice at the bottom (see Permissions).
This 18th century hymn by Gerhard Tersteegen is a timely reminder that God is the One who rules over heaven and earth. Even in days that seem tumultuous and uncertain, God is at work accomplishing His sovereign purposes. He is the One who holds the king’s heart and “turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1). When God humbled the proud king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar glorified God and confessed:
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, “What have You done?” (Daniel 4:34–35)
The hymn is a humble prayer addressed to God. It’s not a request that we would simply recognize God’s authority or rightly understand His sovereign right to rule. Rather, it is an entreaty that we would readily and willingly submit to God’s authority and rejoice in His conquest. Today is indeed a season of grace. May our heart’s desire resonant with the words of this hymn:
“Come Thou King of glory, come, Deign to make my heart Thy home.”
The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies! (Psalm 110:1–2)
Conquering Prince and Lord of Glory
Conquering Prince and Lord of glory, Majesty enthroned in light; All the heavens are bowed before Thee, Far beyond them spreads Thy might; Shall not I fall at Thy feet, And my heart with rapture beat, Now Thy glory is displayed, Thine ere yet the worlds were made?
As I watch Thee far ascending To the right hand of the throne, See the host before Thee bending, Praising Thee in sweetest tone; Shall not I too at Thy feet Here the angels’ strain repeat, And rejoice that heaven doth ring With the triumph of my King?
Power and Spirit are o’erflowing, On me also be they poured; Every hindrance overthrowing, Make Thy foes Thy footstool, Lord! Yea, let earth’s remotest end To Thy righteous scepter bend, Make Thy way before Thee plain, O’er all hearts and spirits reign.
Lo! Thy presence now is filling All the church in every place; Fill my heart too; make me willing In this season of Thy grace; Come Thou King of glory, come, Deign to make my heart Thy home, There abide and rule alone, As upon Thy heavenly throne!
There are many well-matched hymn tunes and texts in the treasure trove of hymnody. A well-matched tune not only fits the poetic meter of the text, it helps to undergird, emotionally interpret, and express the meaning of the text. Crafting or finding music that aptly conveys and strengthens the message of the lyrics is called text painting. Examples of hymn tunes that beautifully paint the text include:
“Holy, Holy, Holy” by Reginald Heber (1783–1826) Set to the tune NICAEA by John B. Dykes, 1861
This hymn echoes the threefold praise of God’s holiness found in Scripture (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8). It affirms the doctrine: “God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.” The motive of the tune accompanies the words “Holy, Holy, Holy.” It consists of a rising arpeggio of the tonic chord: a major triad made up of a root, 3rd, and 5th. It is a musical illustration of the doctrine of the Trinity: 3 notes, one chord.
“How Firm a Foundation” from John Rippon’s Selection of Hymns, 1787 Set to the tune FOUNDATION from John Funk’s Genuine Church Music, 1832
This hymn affirms the certainty of God’s Word. All that God has said and promised will surely come to pass. The tune conveys firmness by emphasizing the structural tones of the major scale. Most of the melody consists of the three notes of the tonic triad (the most stable chord of the key).
“O Sacred Head Now Wounded,” a Medieval Latin poem ascribed to Bernard Clairvaux (1091–1153) Set to the tune PASSION CHORALE by Hans Leo Hassler, 1601, harmonized by J.S. Bach, 1729
Hassler’s tune in minor with Bach’s harmonization captures well the “grief,” “anguish,” and “sorrow” in the text. Bach concludes with a cadence in the relative major, as the hymn expresses both the suffering of Christ on the cross and God’s grace and love that come to us through Christ’s sacrifice.
“Up from the Grave He Arose” (Low in the Grave He Lay) Set to the tune CHRIST AROSE Words and music by Robert Lowry (1826–1866)
Lowry’s hymn celebrating Christ’s resurrection begins with an 8-measure subdued verse (“Low in the grave He lay”) leading into a 12-measure triumphant chorus with dotted rhythms and expanded range. The chorus opens with an ascending arpeggio on the tonic chord interpreting the words “Up from the grave He arose.”
“Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts, 1719 Set to the tune ANTIOCH by Lowell Mason, 1836, based on music by G.F. Handel, 1742
This familiar Christmas hymn proclaims Christ’s incarnation. The tune begins with a descending major scale conveying the text: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.” The melody then ascends, returning to the starting note, reaching up with the words: “Let earth receive her King!”
A lesser-known Christmas hymn, whose tune beautifully portrays the text, is “Who Is This So Weak and Helpless.” This hymn begins with the birth of Christ, then points us to His life, suffering, and death on the cross. The first half of each verse focuses on Christ’s humiliation and asks the perplexing question: “Who is this?” The question is tied to the hymn’s motive that begins with the opening notes of the minor scale, rising a minor third from “a” to “c” (from tonic to mediant). The second half of each verses answers the question posed in the first half. We see Christ’s exaltation in stark contrast to His humiliation: “Who is this?” Answer: “Tis the Lord!” “Tis our God!” The motive also begins the second half of each verse, but the notes are raised a third. Now the notes rise from “c” to “e” (a major third), brightening the motive with uplifting wonder.
It seems improbable that the child who “coldly in a manger laid” is “the Lord of all creation.” It seems astounding that “a Man of Sorrows” is indeed “our God, our glorious Savior.” Yet this is the profound mystery of the incarnation.
Below is the full text of the hymn. As you celebrate this Christmas season look from the manger to the cross and marvel at the wondrous way that God has accomplished our salvation.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Who Is This So Weak and Helpless?
“He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not” (John 1:10).
WHO is this so weak and helpless, Child of lowly Hebrew maid, Rudely in a stable sheltered, Coldly in a manger laid? ‘TIS the Lord of all creation, Who this wondrous path hath trod; He is God from everlasting, And to everlasting God.
WHO is this, a Man of Sorrows, Walking sadly life’s hard way, Homeless, weary, sighing, weeping, Over sin and Satan’s sway? ‘TIS our God, our glorious Savior, Who above the starry sky Now for us a place prepareth, Where no tear can dim the eye.
WHO is this? Behold Him shedding Drops of blood upon the ground! Who is this, despised, rejected, Mocked, insulted, beaten, bound? ‘TIS our God, who gifts and graces On His church now poureth down; Who shall smite in holy vengeance All His foes beneath His throne.
WHO is this that hangeth dying While the rude world scoffs and scorns, Numbered with the malefactors, Torn with nails and crowned with thorns? ‘TIS the God who ever liveth ‘Mid the shining ones on high, In the glorious golden city, Reigning everlastingly.
O give thanks to the Lord for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 118:1)
Below is a list of psalm settings, hymns, and spiritual songs that focus on giving thanks to the Lord.
If you have additional suggestions for songs related to thanksgiving that should be included in the index, please comment or send me a message.
Note: The songs are listed below by title and author. For more complete entries (including tunes and hymnal page numbers) see the page for Songs and Thanksgiving in the Theological Index of Music for Worship online. I will be updating the online Index with more songs and topics in the days ahead as I receive recommendations.
Songs and Thanksgiving
1. It is good to give thanks to the Lord
All People That on Earth Do Dwell—Psalm 100 (William Kethe / Thomas Ken)
How Good It Is to Thank the Lord—Psalm 92:1–9, 12–15 (The Psalter, 1912)
It Is Good to Sing Your Praises (The New Metrical Version of the Psalms, 1909)
2. All people should praise and thank the Lord
All People That on Earth Do Dwell—Psalm 100 (William Kethe / Thomas Ken)
Let All Things Now Living (Katherine Davis)
Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart (Edward Plumptre)
3. Give thanks for who God is
10,000 Reasons – Bless the Lord (Jonas Myrin / Matt Redman)
All People That on Earth Do Dwell—Psalm 100 (William Kethe / Thomas Ken)
Be Exalted, O God—Psalm 57:9–11 (Brent Chambers)
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Robert Robinson)
For the Beauty of the Earth (Folliott Pierpoint)
Forever (Chris Tomlin)
Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Thomas O. Chisholm)
How Good It Is to Thank the Lord—Psalm 92:1–9, 12–15 (The Psalter, 1912)
Let All Things Now Living (Katherine Davis)
Let Us with a Gladsome Mind—Psalm 136 (John Milton)
My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness (Stuart Townend / Keith Getty)
Now Thank We All Our God (Martin Rinkert / Catherine Winkworth)
Rejoice, the Lord Is King (Charles Wesley)
With Grateful Heart My Thanks I Bring—Psalm 138 (The Psalter, 1912)
4. Give thanks for life and daily provision
All People That on Earth Do Dwell—Psalm 100 (William Kethe / Thomas Ken)
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come (Henry Alford)
For the Beauty of the Earth (Folliott Pierpoint)
Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Thomas O. Chisholm)
It Is Good to Sing Your Praises (The New Metrical Version of the Psalms, 1909)
Let All Things Now Living (Katherine Davis)
Let Us with a Gladsome Mind—Psalm 136 (John Milton)
My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness (Stuart Townend / Keith Getty)
Now Thank We All Our God (Martin Rinkert / Catherine Winkworth)
5. Give thanks for salvation and eternal life
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Robert Robinson)
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come (Henry Alford)
Father I Thank You (Jeremy & Adrienne Camp, David & Natalie Leonard)
Forever (Chris Tomlin)
Give Thanks (Henry Smith)
Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Thomas O. Chisholm)
Jesus Thank You (Pat Sczebel)
My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness (Stuart Townend / Keith Getty)
Rejoice, the Lord Is King (Charles Wesley)
Thank You, Lord (Seth and Bessie Skies)
There Is a Redeemer (Melody Green)
With Grateful Heart My Thanks I Bring—Psalm 138 (The Psalter, 1912)
Worthy Is the Lamb (Darlene Zschech)
6. Begin each day with thanksgiving
10,000 Reasons – Bless the Lord (Jonas Myrin / Matt Redman)
How Good It Is to Thank the Lord—Psalm 92:1–9, 12–15 (The Psalter, 1912)
It Is Good to Sing Your Praises (The New Metrical Version of the Psalms, 1909)
7. Conclude each day with thanksgiving
10,000 Reasons – Bless the Lord (Jonas Myrin / Matt Redman)
A Prayer for God’s Presence (Ken Puls)
How Good It Is to Thank the Lord—Psalm 92:1–9, 12–15 (The Psalter, 1912)
It Is Good to Sing Your Praises (The New Metrical Version of the Psalms, 1909)
8. Give thanks to the Lord in gathered worship (with the church)
We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise (Kirk C. Dearman)
We Gather Together (Adrianas Valerius, Theodore Baker)
We Give Thanks (Drew Hodge)
With Grateful Heart My Thanks I Bring—Psalm 138 (The Psalter, 1912)
9. Give thanks to the Lord before a watching world
Be Exalted, O God—Psalm 57:9–11 (Brent Chambers)
With Grateful Heart My Thanks I Bring—Psalm 138 (The Psalter, 1912)
10. Give thanks to the Lord with joy
All People That on Earth Do Dwell—Psalm 100 (William Kethe / Thomas Ken)
He Has Made Me Glad—Psalm 100:4 (Leona Von Brethorst)
How Good It Is to Thank the Lord—Psalm 92:1–9, 12–15 (The Psalter, 1912)
It Is Good to Sing Your Praises (The New Metrical Version of the Psalms, 1909)
Let All Things Now Living (Katherine Davis)
Now Thank We All Our God (Martin Rinkert / Catherine Winkworth)
Rejoice, the Lord Is King (Charles Wesley)
Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart (Edward Plumptre)
We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise (Kirk C. Dearman)
11. Give thanks to the Lord even in times of trial and sorrow
Blessed Be Your Name (Matt & Beth Redman)
Count Your Blessings (Johnson Oatman, Jr.)
Father I Thank You (Jeremy & Adrienne Camp, David & Natalie Leonard)
Now Thank We All Our God (Martin Rinkert / Catherine Winkworth)
Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart (Edward Plumptre)
With Grateful Heart My Thanks I Bring—Psalm 138 (The Psalter, 1912)
12. Give thanks to the Lord always
10,000 Reasons – Bless the Lord (Jonas Myrin / Matt Redman)
All People That on Earth Do Dwell—Psalm 100 (William Kethe / Thomas Ken)
Father I Thank You (Jeremy & Adrienne Camp, David & Natalie Leonard)
He Has Made Me Glad—Psalm 100:4 (Leona Von Brethorst)
For more complete entries (including tunes and hymnal page numbers) see the online Index:
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night, On an instrument of ten strings, On the lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound.” (Psalm 92:1–3)
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord.” And it is good to share and celebrate thanksgiving with music. If you play classical guitar, here are a few hymns for you to enjoy:
For the Beauty of the Earth We Gather Together Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Now Thank We All Our God Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
You can download free sheet music for these hymns (and more) here:
You are welcome to copy and share these hymns with friends and fellow guitarists. You can use them for accompanying congregational singing, playing prelude or offertory music, or simply playing for your own enjoyment. Please copy the full page with the website address and the “Used by Permission” notice at the bottom (see Permissions).
Excerpt from: “Reforming Church Music” A Paper presented at the 2001 Founders Conference
Ken Puls
God has purpose and intent in including music as an element of worship. The Bible has much to say about music and its role in worship. The following list summarizes seven roles that will help us define the purpose of music in worship.
1. Music is a primary means of praising God. The majority of references to music in the Bible, including verses that teach about music, as well as Psalms and other passages that are the texts to songs, are in the context of praising God. Through music we exalt, glorify, honor, bless, and adore God. We marvel at the perfection of His character, attributes, gifts, names, and works, ascribing to Him in song all that He is! The Psalter itself culminates in praise:
Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! (Psalm 150:1–2)
Music exists first and foremost to the glory and praise of God and Scripture convincingly bears this out.
2. Music is a primary means of giving thanks to God. Thanksgiving is a grateful acknowledgment or public confession of the goodness of God manifest in what He has done for His people. It is a grateful response to God for His deliverance, healing, forgiveness, salvation, and other blessings that He brings to us. Music accompanies thanksgiving in worship:
Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart In the company of the upright and in the convocation. (Psalm 111:1)
Thanksgiving is also sung in the context of evangelism:
I will give thanks to You among the peoples, O Lord; I will sing praises to You among the nations. (Psalm 57:9)
As with praise, references in Scripture to giving thanks most often occur in song.
3. Music serves as a means of prayer. Many of the songs and psalms of Scripture are addressed directly to God. David, for example, in Psalms 4 and 5 pours out his heart to God, brings petitions and asks for help and mercy. Throughout the Psalter, psalmists lament over sorrows, anguish over difficulties, confess their sinfulness, rejoice over God’s kindness, celebrate His goodness, and express numerous other emotions as they pour out their hearts before Him. Music can serve as invocation, petition, supplication, intercession, repentance, lamentation, and other forms of prayer, lifting our concerns before God.
4. Music serves as a means to proclaim truth. As we sing praise, thanksgiving, and prayer we voice our words to God, but music can also bring God’s Word to us. We can sing the words of Scripture, Psalms and other passages set to music. We can also teach and admonish one another in song with the truths of Scripture. Psalm 1, for example, is a didactic song that teaches us the difference between the blessed and the ungodly. Music helps us to remember and meditate on the truths of Scripture. It serves alongside preaching as a means of proclamation, edifying the church and evangelizing the lost, as it provides an emotional context in which we can interpret, understand, and express the truths of God’s Word.
5. Music serves as a means of exhortation. Music lifts our words to God in prayer and brings God’s Word to us in proclamation, but it can also voice our words to one another. Psalm 95, for example, is a call to worship. We exhort one another with the words:
Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. (Psalm 95:1–2)
Through music God’s people speak to one another, stirring up one another to good works. Music can call us to worship, exhort us to love and serve one another, encourage us to live in obedience to God’s Word, admonish us to flee from sin and pursue holiness, and enjoin us to go out and witness and share the gospel.
6. Music serves as a means to confess our faith. With music God’s people can express common beliefs and doctrines as one voice. In the Old Testament Israel rehearsed their faith and history through music. Psalm 118, for example, is a public confession of the goodness and enduring mercy of God. The New Testament contains several confessional statements such as 2 Timothy 2:11 that many scholars believe are fragments of early hymns. Music provides an effective way to unite in declaring our confessions of faith.
Perhaps the most notable example of this in church history is the “Doxology,” written by Thomas Ken in 1709, a musical affirmation of the doctrine of the Trinity:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
7. Finally, music serves as a means of enriching worship with beauty. According to Scripture, singing praise to God is pleasant and beautiful. Psalm 147:1 reads:
Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.
It is good when we unite our voices together in singing to God. Music provides a beautiful garb in which we dress our words and actions in worship. It is a pleasant means of joining together to express our love and devotion to God in worship.These are seven roles or functions of music that God affirms in His Word. God has commanded us to make music and included it in His design for worship. It is not the purpose of music to amuse, manipulate, or entertain us in worship. God has given us music that we might beautifully lift our praise, thanksgiving, and prayers to Him; that we might proclaim the truth of His Word, confess our faith, and exhort one another to good works as we gather in corporate worship.
Ken Puls, “Reforming Church Music,” in Reclaiming the Gospel and Reforming Churches: The Southern Baptist Founders Conference, 1982–2002, ed. Tom Ascol (Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press, 2003), 438–442.
The book Reclaiming the Gospel and Reforming Churches is a compilation of papers presented over the first 25 years of the Founders Conference and is available for purchase from Founders Press.
